BONTOC, Mtn. Prov.– “Sobra . . . sobra ti damage wrought by typhoon Rosita idiay Natonin”.
This was the statement of former mayor, and now candidate again for mayor in the 2019 local elections, Patrick Baguingan in reference to the destruction wrought by typhoon Rosita in the place.
After the tragedy now comes the concerns for the livelihood of the local folk.
“The rice fields which are the source of livelihood of the people were destroyed. The agricultural areas were all damaged”, the former mayor said.
Almost one half of the total agricultural areas in Saliok and Tuboy, considered the rice granary of Natonin, were destroyed according to him.
It was known that rice fields are now covered with slides and mud brought about by the soil and debris from road widening activities above.
Further, incoming rains will aggravate the situation and the remaining areas not covered with mud will be affected.
Irrigation canals were also washed out and destroyed needing massive restoration.
The tourism value of the Apatan Rice Terraces and the rest is affected by the destruction. The terraces, especially those located near brooks and rivers were heavily damaged.
There is a need to construct and install structures to support the rice fields. Clearing of the vast slides would take enormous effort and resources according to the former mayor.
“We call on the agencies to help us rebuild Natonin from the devastation wrought by the typhoon. We plead of all those concerned agencies”, Baguingan said.
Flood preventions are needed to be installed to prevent further damage and destruction.
It was also gathered that the abaca plantations were not spared and that it will take another years before the plants are replenished.
It is good that we have reserves as the rice produce are usually stored in arangs or agamang (granaries) for future consumptions. “But we need livelihood and income eventually”, said Baguingan.
The national roads are now being given attention but the concern was raised for the rehabilitation of the local roads such as those being used as farm to market roads.
Even the supplies in the market are notably affected. Scarcity of vegetables and fish are very evident due to road closures.
The prompt opening of the Paracelis to Natonin road has given hope to the local folks as supplies started coming in but that is not enough. Hopefully, the Barlig to Natonin road will be opened as the Isabela through Aguinaldo road is still closed as of the moment.
Another problem is the isolation of Tuboy barangay. “The people are hard up and they have to travel barefoot to get supplies and provisions needed”, the former mayor said.
Reports say that there are still 8 dead that are missing and not yet found.
Retrieval operations are now being done by locals and those from other provinces and other places, after the composite teams from the regional military, police, and others responders backed out last week.**Roger Sacyaten
